Neriamangalam Bridge: A Historic Gateway to Kerala’s High Ranges

 Neriamangalam Bridge is one of the most fascinating historic landmarks in Ernakulam district, Kerala. Stretching across the Periyar River at Neriamangalam, the bridge has been connecting the plains of Ernakulam with the high ranges of Idukki for more than nine decades.

Located on National Highway 85, the historic bridge is popularly known as the “Gateway to the High Ranges”, particularly because it forms an important route toward Adimali and Munnar.

A Bridge with More Than 90 Years of History

The story of Neriamangalam Bridge is closely connected with the development of road transportation to the high ranges of Kerala.

The devastating floods of 1924 damaged important routes connecting the Kochi region with Munnar and disrupted transportation and trade. A new route connecting Aluva and Munnar was subsequently planned, including a bridge across the Periyar River at Neriamangalam.

Construction activity began during the reign of Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, the Regent of Travancore. The bridge was eventually opened to the public on 2 March 1935 by Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the Maharaja of Travancore.

Today, the bridge stands as an important reminder of Kerala's early infrastructure development and engineering history.

An Engineering Landmark

What makes the Neriamangalam Bridge particularly interesting is its arch design. Kerala's Irrigation Department describes it as the first arch bridge in South India constructed across the Periyar at this location.

The bridge is approximately 214 metres long and 4.9 metres wide, with multiple arch spans supporting the structure across the river.

Its design was particularly significant because the Periyar can experience strong flows during Kerala's monsoon season. The arched structure was therefore an important engineering solution for crossing the river at this location.

Connecting Ernakulam and Idukki

Neriamangalam occupies a special geographical position. The village lies in Kothamangalam taluk of Ernakulam district, close to the border with Idukki.

Once you cross the bridge while travelling east, the landscape gradually changes from the lower elevations of central Kerala toward the hills and forests of the Western Ghats.

This geographical transition is one reason why the bridge is often associated with journeys to the Idukki high ranges and Munnar. Kerala Tourism also describes Neriamangalam as being between Ernakulam and Idukki and highlights the bridge as a gateway to the high ranges.

The Periyar River and the Scenic Surroundings

One of the most attractive features of Neriamangalam Bridge is its setting.

The Periyar River flows beneath the historic structure, while green hills, plantations and forested landscapes surround the area. During the monsoon, the scenery becomes particularly dramatic as the river carries more water and the surrounding vegetation becomes intensely green.

For travellers heading toward Munnar, the bridge can feel like the point where a regular Kerala road journey begins to transform into a hill-country experience.

The surrounding region is also known for its heavy rainfall, agriculture and rich natural environment. The Kerala Government's Revenue Department notes that Neriamangalam is characterised by hills, slopes and valleys, with agriculture forming an important part of the local economy.

A Bridge That Survived Major Floods

Another remarkable aspect of Neriamangalam Bridge is its survival through major floods.

Historical accounts note that the bridge survived the 1961 and 2018 floods, two major flood events that affected Kerala.

This longevity has added another dimension to the bridge's reputation. It is not simply an old transportation structure; it has become a symbol of the engineering and construction practices of an earlier era.

More Than Just a Route to Munnar

For decades, the Neriamangalam route has played an important role in the movement of people and goods between the plains and the high ranges.

Historically, the route was particularly important for transporting products from the high ranges toward Kochi. Historical accounts mention commodities such as tea, spices and timber in connection with the development of the route.

The improved road connectivity also contributed to the economic and social development of the high-range region.

Today, the road remains an important corridor for travellers heading toward destinations in Idukki and beyond.

Ranikallu – Another Historical Landmark Nearby

Visitors interested in the history of Neriamangalam can also look for Ranikallu, or “Queen's Stone,” located near the bridge.

According to the Kavalangad-area government information, Ranikallu is a historical monument associated with the construction of the Neriamangalam Bridge and the Travancore royal family.

Together, the bridge and Ranikallu provide an interesting glimpse into the history of infrastructure development during the Travancore period.

A Photographer's Attraction

The combination of an old stone-and-arch structure, the Periyar River and the surrounding greenery makes Neriamangalam Bridge visually appealing.

Visitors can enjoy views of:

• The historic arch structure
• The Periyar River
• Green hills and forests
• The surrounding countryside
• The road toward the Idukki high ranges
• The changing landscape between Ernakulam and Idukki

The bridge is especially attractive during the monsoon and early post-monsoon period when the surrounding landscape is lush and vibrant.

Neriamangalam Bridge and Modern Kerala

Even though the historic bridge continues to be an important landmark, the transportation requirements of the region have changed considerably since 1935.

Reports in 2025 noted progress toward a new parallel bridge as part of road development, while the historic arch bridge had crossed its 90th year.

The development illustrates the balance between modern transportation requirements and the preservation of historic infrastructure.

The old Neriamangalam Bridge remains an important part of the visual and historical identity of the region.

Best Time to Experience Neriamangalam

Neriamangalam can be visited throughout the year, but the surrounding scenery changes significantly with the seasons.

Monsoon: The Periyar and surrounding greenery create a dramatic landscape. However, visitors should exercise caution during heavy rainfall.

Post-monsoon: The landscape is generally lush and vibrant, making it an attractive period for photography and road trips.

Winter: The comparatively pleasant weather can make the journey toward the Idukki high ranges comfortable.

If you are travelling from Kochi or Ernakulam toward Munnar, the bridge can be an interesting historical stop rather than simply a structure to drive across.

How to Reach Neriamangalam Bridge

The bridge is situated on National Highway 85 (Kochi–Madurai–Dhanushkodi Road) at Neriamangalam in Ernakulam district.

From Kothamangalam: Neriamangalam is roughly 20 km away according to the Kerala Government's Revenue Department.

From Kochi: Travellers can proceed toward Kothamangalam and continue along the route toward Neriamangalam and the Idukki high ranges.

From Munnar: The bridge forms part of the route connecting the high ranges with the lower areas of central Kerala.

Final Thoughts

Neriamangalam Bridge is much more than an old bridge over the Periyar River. It represents an important chapter in Kerala's transportation, engineering and regional development history.

Built during the Travancore era and opened in 1935, the historic arch bridge helped establish an important connection between the Ernakulam region and the high ranges of Idukki. Its distinctive architecture, scenic surroundings and long history have made it one of the memorable landmarks along the road to Munnar.

For travellers exploring Ernakulam, Kothamangalam, Neriamangalam, Idukki or Munnar, a short stop at this historic bridge offers something different—a chance to experience both Kerala's natural beauty and a piece of its engineering heritage.

Discovering Ernakulam Marine Drive Boat Jetty: A Gateway to Serene Waters

 Marine Drive in Ernakulam is one of the maximum picturesque and bustling waterfronts in Kerala, providing a really perfect combination of urban attraction and herbal splendor. Among its many points of interest, the Marine Drive Boat Jetty sticks out as a gateway to exploring the serene backwaters and the vibrant marine lifestyles of the location. Here's why a visit to the Ernakulam Marine Drive Boat Jetty ought to be for your itinerary.

Scenic Beauty and Vibrant Atmosphere
Marine Drive is thought for its scenic splendor, with a long prom that offers breathtaking views of the Vembanad Lake. The Boat Jetty in Ernakulam provides to this attraction, bustling with hobby as boats of various sizes dock and depart. The area is vibrant, with tourists and locals playing the cool breeze, stunning sunsets, and the rhythmic sounds of water.

 

Gateway to Backwater Cruises
One of the primary points of interest of the Marine Drive Boat Jetty is its position as a start line for numerous backwater cruises. These cruises provide a completely unique manner to discover the tricky community of canals, rivers, and lagoons that make up the Kerala backwaters. Whether you pick out a brief excursion or an prolonged houseboat stay, the experience is certain to be unforgettable.

                             

Types of Boat Rides

At the Marine Drive Boat Jetty, you may find a lot of boat rides to suit unique preferences and budgets.

Houseboat Cruises: These high priced boats are perfect for an in a single day stay, providing nicely-provided rooms, delicious neighborhood delicacies, and a non violent journey through the backwaters.

Speedboat Rides: For those in search of a chunk of journey, speedboat rides offer a interesting enjoy as you zip through the water.

Shikara Rides: These traditional boats offer a more intimate and relaxing ride, best for couples and small businesses wanting to soak in the splendor of the surroundings at a leisurely tempo.

                                       

Exploring the Marine Life
The waters round Marine Drive are teeming with marine life. During your boat journey, maintain an eye out for diverse species of fish, birds, and other aquatic creatures. The mangroves and small islands you bypass by means of are home to a numerous variety of flowers and fauna, making it a pride for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

                                        

Shopping and Dining
Marine Drive is likewise a famous spot for shopping and eating. The nearby GCDA Shopping Complex and severa avenue carriers offer lots of goods, from souvenirs to local handicrafts. When it involves meals, there are lots of options ranging from avenue food stalls to upscale restaurants where you may take pleasure in scrumptious Kerala delicacies. Don’t miss trying the neighborhood seafood cuisine that are clean and bursting with taste.

Evening and Nightlife
As the solar sets, Marine Drive transforms into a energetic hub with its nicely lit promenade and colourful nightlife. The sight of boats illuminated at the water, the cool breeze, and the energetic surroundings make it an ideal area for a night stroll or a night out with buddies and own family. The Rainbow Bridge and the Chinese Fishing Net Bridge are in particular picturesque at night, with their lighting fixtures reflecting at the water.

Accessibility and Convenience
The Marine Drive Boat Jetty is effortlessly accessible from diverse elements of Ernakulam and Kochi. It is well-connected by means of street, and there may be adequate parking space to be had. Public transportation, inclusive of buses and vehicle-rickshaws, can without difficulty get you to Marine Drive. The nearby Ernakulam Junction railway station and Cochin International Airport ensure that site visitors from afar can without problems reach this famous vacation spot.

The Ernakulam Marine Drive Boat Jetty is more than just a factor of departure; it is a destination in itself. Whether you're trying to embark on a serene backwater cruise, experience a exciting speedboat ride, or truly soak in the scenic splendor and colourful atmosphere of Marine Drive, this spot has some thing to offer all people. Plan a visit to the Marine Drive Boat Jetty and discover the magic of Kerala's waterways.

2 Lakh migrant workers in Ernakulam District

As per recent studies there are around 2 lakh migrant workers from other Indian States in Ernakulam district.

The study, commissioned by the Kerala Labour Movement, found that  majority of the migrant workers were not at all registered with the Labour Department and hence were not eligible for the State government’s worker benefits. Even though the daily wages of the migrant workers were far better than in many other States, the migrant workers lived in pretty bad conditions.

The study on ‘Unorganised labourers in Ernakulam district’ was carried out by a former Economics Professor Martin Patric and his team of researchers. Its goal was to study the extent and nature of unorganised labourers in both the formal and informal sectors of the Ernakulam district’s economy.

Migration to Ernakulam district started in the 1980s, and initially the workers were mostly from Tamil Nadu and neighbouring States. But, in the second phase of migration that began in the late 1990s, thousands of workers started arriving from Odisha,  Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Assam,  Manipur etc. Initially these migrants were employed in major projects of the Railways and the port. But gradually they spread their presence across the labour market. A lot of the migrant workers were employed as farm hands, masons, carpenters, and domestic and construction workers. Some of the major centers of migrant workers in Ernakulam District are Kochi, Perumbavoor, Muvattpuzha, Kalady and Kodanad.

List of Unhygienic Hotels and Restaurants Closed in Ernakulam District

The recent death of a young men after eating Shavarma from a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram have set a spark a month the authorities and food inspectors and quality controllers are on a rampage conducting raids across the hotels in major cities across Kerala. Hotels which have unhygienic food items and surrounding have been either been forcefully shut down or given notice. In Ernakulam District also, a lot of hotels and restaurants that we regularly used to have food has been shut down or are under notice.

To make sure that you have not been to a hotel that has been shut down by the food and safety department due to low quality food items, then you can scorll through the list given below.

1) Zam Sam Hotel, Cloth Bazar, Boradway Ernakulam
2) D D park, Karukutty
3) Gotel Pallavi, Karukutty
4) Hotel Richoos, Karukutty
5) Hotel Runs, Karukutty
6) Hotel Kitchen Gate, Karukutty
7) Crystal Kitchen, Karukutty
8) Navya Bakery, Karukutty
9) Green Bakers, Karukutty
10) St. Paul Fish Stall, Karukutty
11) Jose Antony Fish Stall, Karukutty
12) St. Paul Chicken Stall, Karukutty
13) Matha Hotel and Restaurant,  Mukkanoor
14) Reshma Hotel, Thabor, Mukkanoor
15) Akshay Hotel, Mukkanoor
16) Amma Hotel, Kidangoor, Angamaly
17) Aswathy Hotel, Kidangoor, Angamaly
18) Aneesh Hotel, Thuravoor, Angamaly
19) Neha Udayamperoor, Angamaly
20) M J Hotel, Kumbalangi
21) Bharat Hotel, Malayidumthuruthu, Pukkattupady
21) Kottaram Canteen, Kumbalam, Njetoor
22) Jithin Hotel, Koothattukulam
23) Archana Hotel, Koothattukulam
24) Alwin Hotel, Koothattukulam
25) Hotel Plaza, Vazhakkulam, Muvattupuzha
26) Hotel Jaya Kerala, Eloor
27) Hotel Anna Mariya, Kuruppumpady
28) Hotel Ramadi, Elamkunnapuzha, Vypin
29) Hotel Safa, Edavanakadu, Vypin
30) Hotel Top Form, Malippuram, Vypin
31) Malabar Rasoyi, Malippuram, Vypin
32) Hotel Aradhana, Munambam
33) Hotel Reji, Munambam
34) Hotel Badriya, Munambam
35) Hotel Geetha Bhavan, Cherayi
36) Hotel Palm Leaf, Neriyamangalam
37) Hotel Nalanda, Ernakulam South
38) Hotel Rolex, Near KSRTC, Kochi
39) Safa Taste, Palarivattom, Kochi
40) Hotel Paradise, Edapally, Kochi

The above given list consist of some of the major hotels and restaurants in Ernakulam district that has been forcefully shut down by Government authorities so far. The list has been compiled from various news resources available. In case you come to have a bad food experience in any of the hotels of restaurants in Kerala, then you can uses this toll free number 1800-425-1125 and inform the authorities regarding this.

Tourist Locations In Ernakulam To Benefit From Budget Funds

Tourist locations in Ernakulam would be getting a much awaited facelift if the district gets the share of funds from the Rs. 50 crore amount which was decided on Monday's State budget for developing the basic infrastructure and facilities at the tourist spots.

As per the sources, another Rs. 50 crore has been allocated for developing the heritage and cultural travel destinations in Ernakulam. Fort Kochi, which is one of the major tourist destination in Ernakulam, is expected to get Rs. 10 crore for its tourism development.

The fund allocated for Fort Kochi would be mainly used to do maintenance on the roads and footpaths along the streets of Fort Kochi and for developing the waterfront which is seen along the beach. The tourist boat jetty near Fort Kochi is also expected to benefit from this and would be having a new look after the developments made from using the allocated funds. Before restoring the past glory of these heritage travel destinations, the encroaches should be removed and this is a major challenge for the authorities.

The conditions of the Ernakulam boat jetty is in a pathetic condition and the thousands of boat passengers who visit this place every day and tourists commuting to West Kochi are the most affected. No attempt has been made from the part of the officials to clean the premises of Ernakulam boat jetty and clear the weeds.

Officials also plan to commission the Trikkakkara temple pilgrim centre, the Onam museum and also beautify and modify the streets of Panampilly Nagar, with the help of funds given provided to them.

Jaundice Spreading Out in Ernakulam District

The spread of Jaundice have become a  major concern in Ernakulam district and cities such as Kochi, Kothamangalam and Muvattupuzha have been the worst hit jaundice affected areas. Around 300 cases of Jaundice have been reported in Ernakulam district so far and few have been reported dead. Once Kerala was hailed as the most hygienic state in India, but recently everything has turned upside down.

A lot of people gets infected by Jaundice due to bad drinking water, unhygienic eating atmospheres etc. The unscientific disposal of waste is also a major reason, as this process contaminates the well water in the nearby areas resulting in major diseases and epidemics. On behalf of this a lot of eateries and hotels have been in the scanner and food squad have caught some of the hotels with unhygienic food practices from areas such as Angamaly, Kochi, Aluva and Kothamangalam.

The health department is also been made alerted as the case of Jaundice patients are increasing day by day. The needed measures by the health department should have been taken before so that the spread of Jaundice could have been prevented in a much better way. Anyway, if you want to avoid getting infected by Jaundice then better stay away from the hotels, eateries and bakeries in Ernakulam district. Try to have food and drinks from home itself and if you are traveling, make sure that you carry enough home-made food and water with you.

Ernakulam May soon become 100 % Class X literate

Ernakulam district might soon become the first district in Kerala to have all citizens aged between 17 and 35 years to clear Class 10 examination.  A futuristic mission in the name of ‘Youth@10’ is currently underway to make sure that the district achieves 100 per cent success rate in clearing Class 10 examination by  the year 2013.  This venture is organized by the District Literacy Mission, Kakkanad and the district panchayat and is the first of its kind in Kerala.

There is no special fund allocated for the purpose, but the authorities believe that it could be implemented effectively provided all the local bodies consider it as their own project. The mission has also not invited special applications for the Youth@10 programme. The district panchayat is giving its full support to the District Literacy Mission to execute the project. The authorities are also much confident of completing the project by 2013 and also believe to be a better platform for those who are lagging behind in the need of proper education.

The project was initiated on May 19 and has already finished with the registration procedures.